Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Upsilon Tau Chapter Honors Three

By Jennifer L. Warren

TOWN of FISHKILL– “To whom much is given, much is required.”

These eight words were repeated several times by one of Saturday’s honorees at the Omega PSI PHI Fraternity, Inc. Upsilon Tau Chapter 2018 Achievement Luncheon, held at Fishkill’s Farm to Table Bistro. In many ways, their meaning resonated with each of the three people being recognized.

Accepting the Community Service Award for her multiple and selfless work and volunteer efforts, Nyhisha T. Gibbs, who saw those life-altering words in middle school, spoke of the economic challenges that accompanied her upbringing. She also relayed the inspirational powers of the long, diligent hours her mother logged doing volunteer work. That maternal model of altruism was to become a pivotal piece toward developing Gibbs’ mission to give to others, doing all she can to meet that “requirement.” In addition to her paid position as a Volunteer Administrator for Dutchess Outreach, Gibbs volunteers long, arduous hours at such places as The Arlington School District, Girls and Boy Scouts as well as GEMS, to name just a few. It’s a passion that was ignited young and has continued to grow stronger in time.

“It feels absolutely outstanding as a selfless, generous person to be honored as a recipient of this award for all the lives I have impacted,” said Gibbs.

“I’m always grateful for the opportunity to serve; volunteering changes your life while changing the lives of others.”

Much like Gibbs, another honoree, Curlie W, Dillard, a 46 year employee in the human service advocacy setting as well as former Newburgh Councilman and present Orange County Legislator, has worked relentlessly to help his community, while bettering the lives and rights of those who reside in it. For his dedication to helping others, he was recognized with the Citizenship Award.

“I’m humbled and honored to be chosen as an honoree,” said Dillard. “These are challenging times, and we must make certain that the erosion of rights goes no further; mentoring is needed for our youth as well as community support, so they are not misguided.”

The third honoree, a Omega PSI PHI Fraternity Brother, was given the Omega Man of the Year distinction. The 87 year old passed away last December; however his spirit was very much alive Saturday, as he left a indelible mark on all of his Brothers as well as so many more. Brother David S. Bagley Sr., a U.S. Air Force veteran, had a long, successful career as an engineer. However, like both Gibbs and Dillard, perhaps his most meanigfil and memorable work was his volunteer passion, unwavering commitment to make better the lives of those he encountered. For over half a century, he served on various boards of several organizations, as he tallied extensive hours volunteering and doing community service.

In the Luncheon’s program bio, it states, “David will always be greatly appreciated and never forgotten; no one other than David deserves to be honored this year as the “Omega Man of the Year.”

In addition to the honorees being recognized, so too there was plenty of entertainment throughout the busy afternoon. A performance was given by the Beulah Baptist Young Adult Praise Dancers, a mime skit was skillfully enacted by Carlton Pittman, and “Black Girls Magic,” including spoken word performances by two people from Newburgh Free Academy’s Black History Club: Advisor and English Teacher, Silver Kulisek as well as one of her honor’s students, sophomore, Kamora Millan. In keeping with the celebratory theme of Black History Month, Millan’s selected subject of reenactment centered upon an icon.

“I want to inform people about who Sojourner Truth was as well as the amazing things she did as a person,” said Millan about what she hoped to accomplish with her performance.
With all eyes mesmerized on the incredible young talent as she transported herself back to another time period while capturing the true essence of this local hero, Truth, Millan achieved that end, as she met with a loud room full of appreciative applause upon her conclusion.

The Upsilon Tau Chapter of Omega Psi Phi was chartered in 1961. It is a social action organization that is committed to uplifting the community through mandated programs to support the youth. It is guided by four major principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.